Ethiopia Packages
Ethiopia is the only African country that has never been colonized; it is located in the Horn of Africa and it is the most populated landlocked country in the world. Ethiopia was the 1st African nation to join the United Nations. The capital Addis Ababa is home to the African Union headquarters. Ethiopia has over 80 ethnic groups, most speak Amharic it’s the official language of the country. The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months. Ethiopia is home to the lesser known river Nile–the Blue Nile. Most people are unaware of the fact that coffee is originally from Ethiopia.
Southern Ethiopia - 10 Days Trip
Day 1 – ADDIS ABABA – ARBA MINCH
Your guide welcomes you at Addis Ababa Airport. After breakfast, we will visit the National Museum to meet our ancestor Lucy. Once we have lunch, we will return to the airport to catch the flight to Arba Minch.
Overnight in hotel in Arba Minch
Day 2 – ARBA MINCH
In the morning, we take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, to observe different wild animals: Nile crocodiles (the biggest in Africa), hippos and aquatic birds. In the afternoon, we reach the Dorze village, situated at 2,500 meters above sea level. The Gamo communities are well known for their weaving techniques and colorful crafts, which can be found all over the country. We discover an amazing plant, named “Enset” or false banana tree, whose root and stem have multiple uses. The Dorze consume it daily. We also visit the market if it takes place on that day.
Overnight in a hotel in Arba Minch.
Day 3 – ARBA MINCH – JINKA
In the morning we visit the village of the Konso tribe. We discover their lifestyle, as well as the eroded land that is known by the name “New York”. Because of the terracing agriculture, UNESCO decided to register the konsos’ landscape as a World Heritage site. In the afternoon, we start our descent into the Omo Valley, stopping at any markets we come upon.
Overnight in hotel in Jinka.
Day 4 – JINKA
Today we cross the Mago National Park, where we might see some wild animals like dik-diks (the smallest antelope in the country) or buffalos. After a few hours of driving, we arrive at one of the villages of the Mursi tribe. This is usually considered as the highlight of your trip. The remarkable lip plates of the women’s’ and the numerous scarifications both the men and women wear are amazing. We also discover how these people managed to keep their traditional way of life intact for so long. After walking through the village, we then drive back to Jinka for lunch. After a little bit of rest, we visit the Ari tribe, the only sedentary people in the Omo Valley. We discover its famous painted houses, pottery, and blacksmith, and we meet children dancing and walking through the village.
Overnight in a hotel in Jinka.
Day 5 – JINKA – TURMI
In the morning we visit the South Omo Research Center and the Museum dedicated to all tribes of the Omo Valley. We then drive to Turmi via Key Afer. On the way, we stop at the Bana tribe village to discover its colorful market. If a special event such as bull jumping of the Hamer tribe occurs on this day, we definitely attend. In the evening we visit a Hamer village.
Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.
Day 6 – TURMI
Today we discover the Nyangatom tribe who live on the southwestern banks of the Omo River, famous for their storytelling and singing. Their warriors are considered the most fearsome of all the tribes of the Omo Valley. In the afternoon, we have Rendez-Vous at Kolcho, one of the most stunning villages overlooking the Omo River. In this village leave around 250 people from the Karo tribe, well known for their body paintings, considered the best among the Omo tribes.
Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.
Day 7 – TURMI
In the morning, we drive to Omorate to discover the Dassenech tribe. Omorate is the last town in Ethiopia before the Kenyan border. From here on we cross the Omo River by a traditional wooden dugout canoe. Once on the other side of the Omo River, we discover the Dassenech people, one of the few tribes who practice fishing as a source of income. We tour around their village, learning about their culture and their way of life. In the afternoon we drive back to Turmi.
Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.
Day 8 – TURMI
Free day for school project at school
Overnight in a hotel in Turmi
Day 9 – TURMI – KONSO
In the morning we visit the Arbore tribe. Women are among the most beautiful women of the Omo Valley. They cover their heads with black colored cloth and put on their neck colorful jewelry. They are also known for their houses made out of papyrus. We visit the market if it takes place on that day. Then we head to Konso.
Overnight in a hotel in Konso.
Day 10 – KONSO – ADDIS-ABEBA
In the morning we drive from Konso to Arba Minch. Then we take a flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, we will visit the biggest market in Africa: the Mercato. Afterward, at the restaurant, we enjoy a traditional dinner hosted by local dancers, before your transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Prices
2-49 person = $2000 /person
50+ person = $1700 /person
Supplemental cost for a single person – $250
Prices include:
- Entrance fees
- Coaster bus (18 persons per vehicle)
- Local tour leader for the whole trip
- Domestic flight (make change depending on airline)
- Meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Porterage fee
- Boat on lake chamo
Not included in the safari price:
- International and domestic flights
- Alcohol drinks
- Visa fee
- Airline baggage fee
- Tips for the driver and local tour leader
- Anything not included under “Price includes”
Prices are subjected to changes at any moment if there is a rise in park entry fees, or changes in accommodation or domestic airfares but in cases like that, we will inform the clients/agent as early as possible
Note for Single Accommodations
Lodges, hotels and tented camps base their prices on double occupancy and charge an additional fee for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone but would like to share a room/tent, every effort will be made to match you with a roommate. You will be charged for the single occupancy, but refunded if you are matched with a roommate.
Southern Ethiopia 5 Day Trip
Day 1 – ADDIS ABABA – ZIWAY
Your tour guide greets you at the airport in Addis Ababa. After breakfast, we start our journey toward the southern part of Ethiopia. While en route, we visit two archeological sites: the first one is called Melka Kunture. It’s here that we have discovered so many stone tools going back to 1.7 million years ago. We have also discovered fossils belonging to the Homo erectus species. The second site is called the steles of Tiya. It’s so unique in the whole world that it has been classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. At the end of the day we make a boat trip on Lake Ziway to admire the beauty of its many aquatic birds.
Overnight in hotel in Ziway.
Day 2 – ZIWAY – AWASSA
The morning is reserved for a safari tour inside the Abijata and Shalla National Park. We then have a rendez vous with the Rastafarian community living at Shashemane. This land was given to all black people wishing to return to the continent of their origins by Haile Selassie. Afterwards we drive to Awassa for the night.
Overnight in hotel in Awassa.
Day 3 – AWASSA – ARBA MINCH
Today we explore the colorful fish market of Awassa. We then head to a region called Nation – nationalities of the southern people. More than 55 tribes live in this small region. Among these many tribes, we first meet with the Alaba tribe. The mothers and their kids are responsible for decorating their homes. The paintings inside and outside their homes are naïve but beautiful. We then drive toward the Guge Mountain to meet with the Dorze people. These warriors’ huts have a particular style. They are also considered to be the best traditional weavers in the whole of Ethiopia. Late afternoon we continue our journey to Arba Minch for the night.
Overnight in hotel in Arba Minch.
Day 4 – ARBA – Addis Ababa
In the morning we drive from Arba Minch -Addis Abeba . Then we take a flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, we visit the biggest market in Africa: the Mercato. Afterward, at the restaurant, we enjoy a traditional dinner hosted by local dancers, before your transfer to the airport for your international flight.
DAY 5 – JINKA – TURMI
In the morning we visit the South Omo Research Center and the Museum dedicated to all tribes of the Omo Valley. We then drive to Turmi via Key Afer. On the way, we stop at the Bana tribe village to discover its colorful market. If a special event such as bull jumping of the Hamer tribe occurs on this day, we definitely attend. In the evening we visit a Hamer village.
Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.
Prices
2-49 person = $1000 /person
50+ person = $850 /person
Supplemental cost for a single person – $130
Prices include:
- Entrance fees
- Coaster bus (18 persons per vehicle)
- Local tour leader for the whole trip
- Domestic flight (make change depending on airline)
- Meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Porterage fee
- Boat on lake chamo
Not included in the safari price:
- International and domestic flights
- Alcohol drinks
- Visa fee
- Airline baggage fee
- Tips for the driver and local tour leader
- Anything not included under “Price includes”
Prices are subjected to changes at any moment if there is a rise in park entry fees, or changes in accommodation or domestic airfares but in cases like that, we will inform the clients/agent as early as possible
Note for Single Accommodations
Lodges, hotels and tented camps base their prices on double occupancy and charge an additional fee for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone but would like to share a room/tent, every effort will be made to match you with a roommate. You will be charged for the single occupancy, but refunded if you are matched with a roommate.
Northern Ethiopia 10 Day Trip
Day 1
Arrival – Addis at Bole International Airport or picked up from your hotel and visit the National Museum of Ethiopia for a comprehensive overview of the country’s natural, political and art histories. Then visit Merkato which used to be the largest open-air market in Africa. In the afternoon you visit Unity Park which is located in the premises of the Grand Palace and it is composed of various historical, natural and cultural sites. Overnight – Hotel
Day 2
Addis – Bahir Dar – Early in the morning fly to Bahir Dar, the city is known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and a variety of colorful flowers. And up on arrival take a boat on Lake Tana to access the 14th century monasteries. In the afternoon, after lunch, at Bahir Dar drive to Blue Nile Falls. Overnight – Hotel
Info–One day extra gives you a chance to do a forest walk at Zeghe Peninsula where you visit the monasteries and an hour biking to Bezawit Hill which gives you the view on Lake Tana, Bahir Dar and Blue Nile.
Day 3
Bahir Dar –Awra The Amba community is found in South Gondar, Fogera Woreda, a 2 kms distance right of a turnoff which is located 68 kms on Bahir Dar – Lalibela main road. The society was established in 1972 by a few individuals; however, now the number of the members has reached more than 400. The unbelievably marvelous life philosophy, the beautiful and well- trodden social life of this society has amazed anyone. The society has its own lifestyle which is different from the rest of the Amhara people. These people have special respect for unity, working culture, love and equality. It is on the basis of a structured system they formulated that these people began to perform and control the principles underlying their lifestyles.
Since there is a strong belief among the Awra Amba people that hard work is the sole means of getting out of poverty, responsibilities are divided based not on gender differences but merit. They also have a strong belief that human beings have descended from the same root and hence there will not be differences between relatives and non-relatives, blacks and whites etc. and all will be given due respect and love while they are on earth. In their religious faith the Awra Amba people differ from both Christian and Muslim followers. They accept that there is one strong power. They believe that distancing oneself from evil acts, positive thinking, respect to others and putting all these into practice are realizations of religion. Overnight Community house
Day 4
Awar amba – Simien Mountains National Park – In the morning 5 hrs drive to Debark, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien which is an exotic place with unique wildlife, breathtaking views and a captivating combination of endemic wildlife species, superb scenery and traditional village life. Overnight –
Day 5
Simien Mountains National Park-The whole day is to discover the park with the possibility of more than 3 hours of hiking – lunch is a picnic. On this day you will see endemic mammals of Ethiopia along with the beautiful landscape of the park. Overnight – Hotel
Day 6
Simien Mountains National Park–Gondar–Driveback,in the morning,to Gondar-medieval city which was the Ethiopian capital between the 17th and 19th centuries. After lunch visit the Royal Enclosure of Fasiledes, Fasil Bath and Debre Birhan Sillasie Church, one of the finest in Ethiopia, with walls and ceilings covered stunning in ancient murals. Overnight – Hotel
Day 7
Gondar – Lalibela – This day is dedicated for the drive along with stop overs on the way – villages – viewpoints – local market.
The small city of Lalibela is one of the most important pilgrimage places of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. It is famed for its11 Medieval churches,all of which are hewn into the rock. Overnight–Hotel
Day 8
Lalibela–In the morning visit the northern group of Lalibela churches,one of the three groups Bete Medhanialem, Bete Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bete Denagl, Bete Debre Sina and Micheal are found. Overnight – Hotel
Day 9
Lalibela – Early in the morning an excursion to Asheton Mariam Monastery which predates Lalibela Churches. This excursion gives a spectacular view from the top, beside its rock church which is named by St. Mary. (This can be done using mules). And in the afternoon visit the rest of Lalibela Churches. Overnight–Hotel
Day 10
Lalibela–Addis–Fly back to Addis and depending on the time of arrival you will have free time to explore more sites in Addis before the cultural show dinner at one of the restaurants. End the trip.
Return Home
Prices
2-49 person = $2600 /person
50+ person = $2200 /person
Supplemental cost for a single person – $425
Prices include:
- Entrance fees
- Coaster bus (18 persons per vehicle)
- Local tour leader for the whole trip
- Domestic flight (make change depending on airline)
- Meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Porterage fee
- Boat on lake chamo
Not included in the safari price:
- International and domestic flights
- Alcohol drinks
- Visa fee
- Airline baggage fee
- Tips for the driver and local tour leader
- Anything not included under “Price includes”
Prices are subjected to changes at any moment if there is a rise in park entry fees, or changes in accommodation or domestic airfares but in cases like that, we will inform the clients/agent as early as possible
Note for Single Accommodations
Lodges, hotels and tented camps base their prices on double occupancy and charge an additional fee for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone but would like to share a room/tent, every effort will be made to match you with a roommate. You will be charged for the single occupancy, but refunded if you are matched with a roommate.
Northern Ethiopia 7 Day Trip
Day 1
Arrival – Addis – Arrival at Bole International Airport or picked up from your hotel and visit the National Museum of Ethiopia for a comprehensive overview of the country’s natural, political and art histories. Then visit Merkato which used to be the largest open-air market in Africa. In the afternoon you visit the Unity Park which is located in the premises of the Grand Palace and it is composed of various historical, natural and cultural sites. Overnight – Hotel
Day 2
Addis – Bahir Dar – Early in the morning fly to Bahir Dar, the city is known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and a variety of colorful flowers. And up on arrival take a boat on Lake Tana to access the 14th century monasteries. In the afternoon, after lunch, at Bahir Dar drive to Blue Nile Falls. Overnight – Hotel o Info – One day extra gives you a chance to make forest walk at Zeghe Peninsula where you visit the monasteries and an hour biking to Bezawit Hill which gives you the view on Lake Tana, Bahir Dar and Blue Nile. Overnight -Hotel
Day 3
Bahir Dar -Awra
The Awra Amba community is found south of Gondar, a 2 kms distance right of a turnoff which is located 68 kms on Bahir Dar – Lalibela main road. The society was established in 1972 by few individuals; however, now the number of the members has reached more than 400. The unbelievably marvelous life philosophy, the beautiful and well- trodden social life of this society has amazed anyone. The society has its own lifestyle which is different from the rest of the Amhara people. These people have special respect for unity, working culture, love and equality. It is on the basis of a structured system they formulated that these people began to perform and control the principles underlying their lifestyles.
Since there is a strong belief among the Awra Amba people that hard work is the sole means of getting out of poverty, responsibilities are divided based not on gender differences but merit. They also have a strong belief that human beings have descended from the same root and hence there will not be differences between relatives and non- relatives, blacks and whites etc. and all will be given due respect and love while they are on earth. In their religious faith the Awra Amba people differ from both Christian and Muslim followers. They accept that there is one strong power. They believe that distancing oneself from evil acts, positive thinking, respect to others and putting all these in to practice are realizations of religion. Overnight Community house.
Day 4
Awra Amba drive to Gondar (185 Km) right after breakfast. Then you will check into a hotel and after a brief break, you will have lunch. Then, you will visit to the Royal
Castles & the Bath of Emperor Fasiledes (the bath is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year. You will continue your visit to Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Trinity at the Mount of Light), the Castle of Empress Mintewab, and Kuskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Early in the evening, you will visit ‘AzmariBet’ at Traditional Music Houses after which you will have dinner at the hotel and stay there for the night. Overnight stay 3 star hotel
Day 5
Gonder to lalibela. This Morning is dedicated to visiting the first group of churches, known as the Northern Group of Churches. Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. and on the way back if time allows we will have a stop in the souvenir shops and around the city center.
Bet Medihanialem is the largest, supported by 72 pillars and houses the 7kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We go through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, in which there is a pillar that it is said that Jesus Christ leaned against when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals. We also visit Bet Danaghel; a chapel built in honor of martyred nuns. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael are twin churches and many believe that a visit to Bet Golgotha alone can guarantee your place in heaven! The twin churches also contain many important religious items and some of the best examples of early religious art in the country. The last church we visit today is Bet Giyorgis, one of the more recent churches and best preserved. overnight 3 star hotel
Day 6
Lalibela – Early in the morning an excursion to Asheton Mariam Monastery or yimirhane kiristos which predates Lalibela Churches. This excursion gives a spectacular view from the top, beside its rock church which is named by St. Mary. (This can be done using mules). And in the afternoon visit the rest of Lalibela Churches. Overnight – Hotel
Day 7
Lalibela–Addis–Fly back to Addis and depending on the time of arrival you will have free time to explore more sites in Addis before the cultural show dinner at one of the restaurants. End the trip.
Return Home
Prices
2-49 person = $1700/person
50+ person = $1500 /person
Supplemental cost for a single person – $160
Prices include:
- Entrance fees
- Coaster bus (18 persons per vehicle)
- Local tour leader for the whole trip
- Domestic flight (make change depending on airline)
- Meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Porterage fee
- Boat on lake chamo
Not included in the safari price:
- International and domestic flights
- Alcohol drinks
- Visa fee
- Airline baggage fee
- Tips for the driver and local tour leader
- Anything not included under “Price includes”
Prices are subjected to changes at any moment if there is a rise in park entry fees, or changes in accommodation or domestic airfares but in cases like that, we will inform the clients/agent as early as possible
Note for Single Accommodations
Lodges, hotels and tented camps base their prices on double occupancy and charge an additional fee for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone but would like to share a room/tent, every effort will be made to match you with a roommate. You will be charged for the single occupancy, but refunded if you are matched with a roommate.
